SWIMMING POOL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS UNITE

The Swimming Pool Retail Association of Australia (SPRAA) has announced they have agreed to merge into The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA Australia) to form one National Industry Association that represents the interests of the Swimming Pool and Spa Industry.

The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of New South Wales Limited (currently trading as SPASA Alliance) has also announced that they are joining the SPASA Australia board as a state body representing their members in NSW and the ACT.

SPASA Australia President, Lynley Papineau, said: “Our industry has been fragmented for some time now and it is pleasing to be able to unite the membership once again. This will bring a combined membership of over 1250 businesses between the states and the national association. The SPASA Australia board voted unanimously to proceed in this direction and see this as the beginning of a new united era. We look forward to providing our members with national representation in a co-ordinated manner and deliver on the needs and wants of each sector of the industry.”

The President of SPRAA, John O’Brien will take a seat as a Board Member of SPASA Australia. John said: “SPRAA members voted on the merger at their August AGM. In recent times the associations have been working together on industry matters and we are particularly pleased with the formation of National Sector Groups that will ensure that all sectors, builders, suppliers and the retail/aftermarket are appropriately represented. I’m delighted to have been asked to take on the additional role of the inaugural Chairperson of the Retail/Aftermarket National Sector Group.”

Rob Guthrie, SPASA Alliance President said: “We have always recognised and promoted the need for a cohesive and effective national body to represent all sectors of our industry. We have been in discussions with the other bodies since 2013 to work toward this. We are pleased with the development of SPASA Australia and the new Board structure including changes to the Constitution that have facilitated the ongoing effectiveness of the national association. We are particularly encouraged that the associations are coming together as this provides a stronger approach to the issues and opportunities that affect the industry.”

Papineau commented: “SPASA Australia’s new CEO, Gary Nye will work with both SPRAA and SPASA Alliance to plan and implement the integration of the associations.

The new Board seats took effect from October 7 however, the full integration will not be complete until early in the New Year.”

For more information contact: 

SPASA Australia PresidentLynley Papineau
0412 987 567
www.spasa.com.au 

SPRAA PresidentJohn O’Brien
0411 744 848
www.spraa.asn.au 

SPASA Alliance PresidentRob Guthrie
0412 591 141
www.spasa.org.au